The family of Fr Niall Molloy have vowed to pursue a full public inquiry into his mysterious death 30 years ago.

Writing in today's Irish Independent, Fr Molloy's nephew Bill Maher has told of the family's heartbreak at the original garda investigation and court case surrounding the tragedy.

"The members of Father Niall's family call for a full public inquiry into all aspects of this matter, including the roles played by the institutions of the State in preventing the truth from being revealed," says Mr Maher.

"Only when this has been done will the family find closure and the cloud will be lifted."

Fr Molloy was found dead on July 8, 1985, in the Clara, Co Offaly, home of his friends Richard and Theresa Flynn.